About this Event
DATAPALOOZA 2026
THE FUTURE OF WORK, POWERED BY DATA AND PEOPLE
Program Overview
The UVA School of Data Science presents Datapalooza 2026: The Future of Work, Powered by Data and People. Data science is changing how we work and the decisions we make. As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, its impact will depend not only on how the technology evolves, but also on the people who build and use it.
- Lunch is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Only events in the Capital One Hub will be livestreamed.
- If you need accommodations, please let us know during registration.
- Free parking is available in the JPJ lot
Agenda
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Building Tours
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration and Networking Lunch | 1st Floor Lobby
1:00-1:15 p.m.
Welcome Address | Capital One Hub
Featured Speaker
- Jeffrey D. Blume | Interim Stephenson Dean
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Fireside Chat Panel | Capital One Hub
- The Future of Work, Powered by Data and People
We’ll kick off the day with a guided conversation with industry leaders which inspires and explores how Data Science and AI are fundamentally changing how we make decisions and how we work. The conversation will explore the evolving role of data science across industry and society. Panelists will consider the reality that the future of work cannot be shaped by technology alone but must be driven by the choices that people make about how technology is developed and put to use.
Featured Speakers
- Scott Stephenson | Founder of SGS Capital
- Arun Gupta | CEO, NobleReach Foundation; Data Science Industry Partner; author of The Mission Generation
- Reggie Aggarwal | Founder & CEO, Cvent; UVA Comm alumnus
- Miriam Friedel | Associate Professor of Practice in Data Science, formerly VP of Machine Learning Engineering at Capital One
- Moderator: Paul Cherukuri | Chief Innovation Officer and Donna & Richard Tadler University Professor of Entrepreneurship, UVA
2:15-2:30 p.m.
Break
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
Attendees will choose between three interactive conversations designed to explore the future of data science and AI, including leadership and innovation in the field from both industry and academic perspectives.
Breakout Session 1 | How Do You Become a Data Science Leader?
What does leadership look like in the age of AI? How can leaders harness data and emerging technologies that support teams in making decisions, setting priorities, and driving business. How are leaders thinking about data, AI, and helping to define the human-technology relationship?
Featured Speakers
- Ramesh Durvasula | Chief Data Officer, Roche
- Don Vu | Chief Data & AI Executive, JPMorgan
- Lexi Reese | Co-Founder & CEO, Lanai
- Moderator: Prince Afriyie | Associate Professor of Data Science, Program Director, B.S. in Data Science
Breakout Session 2 | What Do You Really Want to Know About Working in Data Science?
This is your chance to challenge data science academic and industry leaders to give candid answers and real-world perspectives about what’s happening in the field, as well as their personal data science journeys. They will be put in the “hot seat” by UVA students. How did they get here? What trends, tools, challenges, and opportunities are emerging now and in the future? How are industry and higher education thinking about and addressing AI ethics and safety concerns? And where will people be in all of this? Come curious and ready to engage.
Featured Speakers
- Kane Geyer | Principal, PwC
- Laura Ipsen | President and CEO of Ellucian
- Stephen Turner | Associate Professor of Data Science, Assistant Dean for Research
- Moderators: Kent Livesay & Claire Basset
Breakout Session 3 | How Can a Technologist Create and Innovate?
How can new ideas become meaningful innovation? Join our panelists to explore how experimentation, technical expertise, and human judgment come together to identify opportunities, build new solutions, and transform the way we work.
Featured Speakers
- Jennifer Langton | Founder & CEO, Jennifer Langton Inc.
- Patrick Harrison | Principal AI Consultant, Data Theoretic; PyData Conference Chair; Applied Machine Learning Conference Chair; Charlottesville Data Science Group Organizer
- Federico Cohen Freue | Executive VP, AI & Data Operations, Mastercard
- Moderator: Brian Wright | Quantitative Foundation Associate Professor of Data Science
3:30-3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45-4:30 p.m.
Keynote | Capital One Hub
Listen to an inspiring keynote on how thoughtful policy and responsible data practices can help communities thrive.
Speaker
- Miranda Bogen | Chief Technologist, Director, AI Governance Lab, Center for Democracy & Technology
4:30-4:45 p.m.
Closing Address | Capital One Hub
Featured Speaker
- Arlyn Burgess | Associate Dean for Administration
4:45-5:30 p.m.
Networking Reception | 1st Floor Lobby
Event venue & nearby stays
School of Data Science, 1919 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.